Millions of SA’s most vulnerable not getting early childhood education
Senior official says basic education department is working to increase funding for programmes
More than 1.3-million of SA’s children aged between three and five are not attending any form of early learning programme and only 45% of those who do are reaching key milestones, the basic education department told parliament on Tuesday. There is no data available on the unmet need for the 3.5-million children aged two or younger, it said.
Early childhood development (ECD) programmes are vital because they lay the foundations for future learning and help prepare children for primary school. Yet the sector is deeply under-resourced and fails to provide support to many of SA’s most vulnerable children, said basic education department acting director for ECD Janeli Kotze...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.